The Future, Now and Then

The Future, Now and Then

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The end of optimization
Some thoughts on a transition point in recent internet history,
14 hrs ago • 
Dave Karpf
Black Mirror is not a Pinterest board.
Part 1 in what I really hope doesn't become a series
Nov 18 • 
Dave Karpf
Every generation gets to recreate the environmental movement to suit its own purposes
Some big-picture reactions to a recent NYT piece
Nov 12 • 
Dave Karpf
The Shutdown Surrender
I just... I mean... Whatever.
Nov 10 • 
Dave Karpf
Bullet Points: November 7, 2025 edition
Money is fake, it's only accounting fraud if we have a functional administrative state, and taking stock of the past year.
Nov 7 • 
Dave Karpf
Bill Gates's stunted political vision
Bill Gates went full Lomborg. Never go full Lomborg.
Nov 4 • 
Dave Karpf
Democrats get lots of bad advice
Political scientist Dave Karpf discusses what data can and cannot tell about politics
Published on Flux • Nov 4
1:02:17
Dressing Up as James Carville for Halloween
My New Republic piece, discussing the "Deciding to Win" report.
Oct 31 • 
Dave Karpf
The Future, Now and Then
The Future, Now and Then
A newsletter that mixes insights from the history of the digital future (#WIREDarchive) with observations and rants about the state of politics today. Basically a blog for your inbox.
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